Below are answers to questions that students frequently ask when considering whether to apply to the PhD program in the Department of Pharmaceutical Health Services Research (PHSR). Please contact the graduate program coordinator if your question is not answered here.

Questions About the Application:

When is the best time to apply?

The deadline to submit your application with supporting materials is January 3, 2017. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so applicants are encouraged to submit all of their application materials early. Applications and supporting materials received beyond the deadline will not be reviewed.

When are the interviews and are they required?

Interview dates for the Fall 2018 application cycle will be posted on the program web page as soon as they are scheduled. An in-person interview is required before an acceptance is issued. For international applicants who do not currently reside in the United States, a video conference will be held in lieu of an in-person interview.

Do you offer conditional acceptances?

Unfortunately, the program does not offer conditional acceptances. No exceptions are made.

When will I find out whether I have been accepted?

Admissions decisions are sent as soon as possible. Those who have completed interviews can expect a faster turnaround time. Those who have not conducted interviews, but are still under review, may expect a decision by the end of March.

How many students are typically admitted each year?

The precise number of students admitted varies from year to year. Generally, four to six students are admitted.

Do you admit students in the Spring semester?

Unfortunately, students are admitted in the Fall semester only. No exceptions are made.

I am an international applicant. Do I need to take the TOEFL or IELTS?

The policy regarding language requirements states, "Applicants whose native language or language of the home is not English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam." Exemptions from the English Language Proficiency Requirement are granted for those individuals who have received a degree from an accredited institution in the U.S. or other nationally recognized university in a country where their education was conducted in English (see the list of approved countries on the Graduate School website under "Exemptions from English Language Proficiency Requirement"). Students who receive an exemption are not required to submit an English proficiency exam.

Is there any special information for international applicants?

International applicants are encouraged to have studied for at least one year in the United States and preferably have received an undergraduate (BA, BS) or graduate (MA, MS) degree from a U.S. institution of higher learning before applying to the program. Additional information for international applicants may be found through the Graduate School.

Questions About the GRE Exam:

My GRE scores have expired. Can I send you my old report?

If your GRE scores have expired, you will need to retake the exam and have the testing agency mail the new report.

Do I need to take the GRE exam if I have been out of school for several years?

The GRE exam is a required part of the application package and is not waived.

Questions About the Program and Financial Aid:

Do you offer an MS degree?

Yes. Students who are interested in pursuing a master's degree should apply to the School's MS in PHSR program.

Is there funding available for graduate students in the program?

Yes! Full-time graduate students enrolled in the Pharmaceutical Health Services Research PhD Program are fully funded. Financial support, usually in the form of teaching and research assistantships, is provided for students accepted into the program. This support includes an annual stipend of $25,000, tuition remission, health insurance, and student fees. The total support is valued at $38,000.